The use of bunad inscribed on UNESCO's list

On December 5, 2024, the use of the bunad in Norway was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity!

Surrounded by a vibrant community of representatives from all corners of the world, the bunad took center stage as the announcement was made at UNESCO's 19th international meeting for the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In an effort to preserve and strengthen the traditions of the bunad, five non-governmental organizations in Norway banded together to nominate the bunad for Intangible Cultural Heritage status through UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The five organizations are: Norwegian Youth Association , Norwegian Folk Arts and Crafts Association , Norsk Folkedraktforum, Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume, and Association for Studies of Culture and Traditions, which all have interest in cultural activities and handcrafts.

Both the use of bunads and the strong connection people have to them are reasons why we are calling attention to the unique tradition of bunads in Norway. By inscribing the use of bunads in Norway on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, we are demonstrating to the international community and Norwegian authorities that this invaluable, centuries-old tradition of ours is worth saving and safekeeping into the future.

People in Norway use bunads—the country’s regional traditional folk costumes—regardless of age, gender, geography or social status. The bunad is most widely used on Norway’s Constitution Day, May 17. But many people also don the costume for celebratory occasions such as Christmas, weddings, baptisms and anniversaries. Most Norwegians hold a strong connection to cultural identity, and the bunad is a central element of our heritage.

The bunad is not “just a pretty dress or suit", but a garment made by hand using traditional techniques and materials. Each of the more than 200 bunad designs represents a particular tradition and/or a particular geographical area in Norway. Most people wear the bunad of the region where they live or the region of their ancestry. Many have inherited a bunad from an older family member, but many also wear a bunad made specifically for them, often received as a gift upon confirmation, most typically at age 14.

The Bunad Verksted (studio) at the Romsdal museum makes traditional regional costumes. This is the only Norwegian museum which has its own studio creating traditional costumes. We are member of the international association Economusée - Artisans at work. You are welcome to visit us at Krona, the new museum building in Molde.

Photo showing some of the traditional costumes we make.

Since 1928, the Romsdal Museum has been working with folk costumes, or "bunader", when the museum founded a children's dance group.The dancers used "national costumes" to perform for tourists arriving by cruise ship. The idea of a Romsdal costume was still in its infancy.

In the early 1980s, the museum received a request from parents in the village of Rødven for help in developing a bunad inspired by a bunad wedding corsage, to give their children a costume typical of the region.
This national costume was presented to the Norwegian Institute for Bunad and Folk Costume, and was awarded the status of national costume for women in the Romsdal region.

In the years that followed, several costumes were copied and today, our bunad department produces several variants of the women's costume, including buns, skirts and all the pieces needed for a suit.
A men's suit has also been developed, based on a local Grytten groom's suit from around 1800. The jacket is influenced by European military fashion. The pants are made of elk leather and the jacket of embroidered silk.
All our costumes are recommended by the Norwegian Institute for Bunad and Folk Costumes.

Photo showing old parts of traditional costumes from our collection. 

Photos: Johnny Bratseth, Romsdalsmuseet

Sources:
Bunadbruk i Norge https://www.bunadbruk.no/english
Économusée: https://artisansaloeuvre.com/en/artisans/folk-costume-economusee/